Tue., 10:57am: UPDATE Strickland statement

January 8, 2013

Here is what Ted Strickland said about his decision to not run for governor:

``Today, I am announcing my decision not to seek election as Governor of Ohio in 2014.

``In many ways, this has been a very difficult decision. I look back fondly on my time as Ohio's 68th Governor -- and am proud of my Administration's efforts to guide our state through the greatest national economic crisis since the Great Depression. With the help of my First Lady -- Frances Strickland-- my dedicated and loyal Cabinet, and my incredibly hard-working executive staff, we held the ship steady. With the help of President Obama, who provided the funds necessary to keep Ohio and all of America from slipping into another Great Depression, we were able to preserve the social safety net, make important investments in education, and position Ohio's economy for the recovery that started in February 2010.

``And when I look back on my four years as Governor, I am equally proud of those in the Strickland Administration who served the public with honor, integrity and humility. We sought to make Ohio better.''